Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a pro-Khalistan separatist leader, has stirred controversy with a provocative video message calling on Sikh soldiers in the Indian army to refuse to fight if India goes to war with Pakistan. His statement follows heightened tensions between the two nations after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
In the video, Pannun, who leads the ‘Sikhs For Justice’ (SFJ) movement, claims that Sikhs and Punjabis in India should not view Pakistan as an enemy but as a “friendly state.” He further stated that in the event of a war, Punjabis on the Indian side of the border would serve langar (a community meal) to the Pakistani army.
“If India attacks Pakistan, then it will be the final war for India and Modi. The Punjabis on the Indian side would serve langar for the Pakistani army,” Pannun said in the video message, which was reported by The Dawn.
Pannun’s Message to Sikh Soldiers:
Pannun’s message extended to Sikh soldiers in the Indian army, urging them not to fight for India in a conflict with Pakistan. He described Pakistan as a “friendly” country, suggesting that it would be a neighbor to the Sikhs once Punjab is liberated.
“Now is the time to say no to Narendra Modi’s jingoistic war. Do not fight against Pakistan. Pakistan is not your enemy. Pakistan will be and is a friendly country for the Sikh people and for Khalistan. Once we liberate Punjab, Pakistan will be our neighbour,” he added.
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This controversial message comes at a time of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the recent deadly Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, which killed 26 people, including 25 Indians, has led to calls for a strong military response from India.
Tensions Rise After Pahalgam Terror Attack:
The Pahalgam attack has intensified the already volatile relationship between India and Pakistan. In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted full operational freedom to the Indian armed forces to decide on the timing, targets, and methods for retaliation. However, the ongoing situation has triggered fears of further escalation, with some Pakistani ministers claiming that military action from India was imminent.
Amid these tensions, Pannun’s inflammatory remarks targeting Sikh soldiers in the Indian army have drawn widespread criticism. While his claims about Sikhs and Punjabis siding with Pakistan in the event of a war remain unfounded, Pannun’s divisive rhetoric is seen as a desperate attempt to provoke military dissent within India’s armed forces.
Pannun’s Role in the Khalistan Movement:
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a prominent figure in the Khalistan separatist movement, which seeks to establish an independent Sikh state, known as Khalistan. Through his organization, Sikhs For Justice, Pannun has been vocal about his opposition to India’s sovereignty and its policies regarding Punjab and the Sikh community.
Despite his controversial views, Pannun’s influence among some Sikh diaspora communities remains strong. However, his recent statements regarding the Pahalgam attack and his call for Sikh soldiers to defy India’s national interests have sparked condemnation from various quarters.
